AN: Ahh…a thunderstorm outside and a fanfic within. What more could a girl want?

What's that? No, I don't think Brad Pitt/ Karl Urban/ Eomer Eadig is available at the moment. But if you reviewed my story, I'll give you chocolate almond ice cream as a consolation prize. :)

I looked at Calla. She shook her head and shrugged. I sighed and wondered if there was any point in denying Halathain's words.

"How did you know?" I stammered.

"Rumors of a runaway red-haired princess reached our ears about the same time you reached Rohan. Little was known about you save that you came from the South. 'Twas easy enough to put together the pieces."

"Then why haven't you said anything before? Why now?" They were going to send me away, I knew it.

"There are some of noble birth who consider their blood to be more sacred than that of commoners. You risked your life to save Eomer King's. If you had been killed, there would have been great consequences. We recognize this, and again we thank you for it. You have proven your worth to Rohan, Princess Lothiriel of Dol Amroth, Lady Ria of Edoras." Halathain bowed, and the other servants followed suit. It was an awkward moment for me; I couldn't think of anything to say.

"This means Eomer is going to find out, doesn't it." I winced as I spoke the words. The King would be angry with me. He would send me home before I was ready. "Please don't bow, Halathain. That's the reason I came, after all."

"Frankly, I'm surprised the King hasn't already figured things out. I know he suspects, but he is not yet sure. It is my duty as Steward to inform him of your true identity." My face fell. "However," Halathain continued, looking at me shrewdly, "I think it is best not to disturb the King too greatly in his current state, so Eomer will not be told of this development until he is well enough to handle the news."

Relief swept over me. I still had some time! I didn't have to go home right away! For a moment I was elated, until I remembered at what cost my reprieve had come

"Thank you, Halathain. And everyone else as well." I smiled weakly at the assembled servants and looked guiltily down at the blessedly oblivious Eomer.

I stayed by Eomer's side all that first night. His sleep was deep and even, healthy and clear, not troubled by fever or infection. Perched on my chair near Eomer's bed, I continued to embroider his new robe, though it would not be needed so desperately now. The ambassadors' visit had, of course, been canceled due to the King's health.

By dark the Guard had finished examining the body of the assassin. He was dressed all in black, in a style common to northern Harad and southern Gondor, but bore no insignias or crests to proclaim his family or city allegiance. His horse was not branded. The only thing that could possibly be considered a clue to the killer's identity was the thin, gleaming bronze wire twisted through the fletching of his arrows.

.I fell asleep again hours after the servants left. Or rather, I dozed uncomfortably in my chair. Upon waking around midnight, I saw first that many lamps had been quietly lit around the room, and secondly that Eomer was awake and watching me.

"Eo…my lord!" I jerked upright and remembered with horror that I had never bothered to replace my kerchief.

"Thank you." He said quietly, not looking at my hair, but merely at my face. His eyes searched me for something I couldn't define. I stilled my nervous hands and waited. "You saved my life today, Ria. You proved yourself a woman of courage, courage enough to risk yourself for the sake of a man who treated you with disrespect at least twice, and to whom you owe no allegiance. I stand in your debt."

"Nay, Lord. You also saved my life. The arrow that would have pierced my flesh instead landed in yours when you pushed me off of Gwen. There is no debt." My voice was nearly a whisper, so grave and serious was Eomer's manner.

The King sat up a little and shook his head. "I am naught but a soldier, Ria. It has been drilled into my very blood since I was a child to behave as I did. 'Twas nothing. But you? Seamstresses are not taught from birth to rescue lives. That was your own worth coming brilliantly to the surface." Eomer reached out and took my hand gently. "There is a debt. If ever you have need of something I can supply, you have only to ask."

I looked at him lying there, pale but wide awake, tired yet strong, and I burst into tears. I gripped his hand in both of mine and sank to my knees beside the bed.

"I thought I wouldn't get there in time!" I cried. "What if I hadn't? You would be dead. I haven't thrown a knife in years, Eomer, years! What if I had missed? He would have killed you! How could I have gone home happily with you dead?" Eomer looked slightly shocked and distinctly overwhelmed by my outburst. "My fiancee is neither my father's nor my first choice as a husband. If nothing else, though, he is at least not a soldier."

"Ria…Ria! Why do you weep? You are not hurt; I will soon be healed. There is nothing to fret over."

"Why do I weep? I weep, my lord, because I am just beginning to realize how very fond of you I have become, and it scares me. Good night." I rose and walked out, wiping my face as I ran to my room, heedless of the healers and guards I shoved past.

Author: Sorry this was such a slow update. I've been busy, plus I've had writer's block, and a nasty review is never helpful, either. I have really, really good plans for the next chapter, though, so be on the lookout! :) Sorry so short, as well...